Title: Sexuality as cultural diversity within sport organisations

Authors: Roger G. Le Blanc, Steven J. Jackson

Addresses: Ecole de kinesiology et de recreologie, Universite de Moncton, Moncton, New Brunswick E1A 3E9, Canada. ' School of Physical Education, University of Otago, New Zealand

Abstract: To date, only three gay male athletes have ever come out publicly during their professional sporting career in team sports. This reflects the pervasiveness of homophobia in sport and its power to silence and render invisible gay athletes. Moreover, it leads to a number of important sociological, political, moral and philosophical questions. This paper highlights the overall significance of the problem of homophobia and its impact on sport organisations, demonstrates the need for diversity training within sport organisations and provides a set of justifications and recommendations for diversity training within sport organisations for the benefit of all.

Keywords: sport organisations; team sports; sexuality; silence; diversity training; homophobia; sport management; cultural diversity; gay athletes.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSMM.2007.011394

International Journal of Sport Management and Marketing, 2007 Vol.2 No.1/2, pp.119 - 133

Published online: 30 Nov 2006 *

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